Tennyson's Ulysses

[B. Royce 0]

Not liking the weakened state of Tennyson's heroes in his Ulysses, I have tried to add some strength, beginning with the tenth line of the most well-known section.

Come, my friends,

'Tis not too late to seek a newer world.

Push off, and sitting well in order smite

The sounding furrows; for my purpose holds

To sail beyond the sunset, and the baths

Of all the western stars, until I die.

It may be that the gulfs will wash us down:

It may be we shall touch the Happy Isles,

And see the great Achilles, whom we knew.

Tho' something's taken, more abides; for we

Have yet that steel strength which in old days

Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are;

One equal temper of heroic minds,

Attacked by time and fate, but strong in will

To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.

_________________________________________

B.F.